The Barn...

This is a great story we found circulating on the Internet.

A recently retired New York man wanted to use his retirement funds wisely, decided to buy a home and a few acres in Portugal . The modest farmhouse had been vacant for 15 years; the owner and wife both had died, and there were no heirs. The estate was being sold to pay back taxes.
There had been several lookers, but the large barn had steel doors, and they had been welded shut. No one wanted to go to the extra expense to see what was in the barn, and it wasn't complimentary to the property anyway... so, no one made an offer on the place.
The New York gentleman bought it as is, paying just over half of the property's worth; moved in, and set about to access the barn... curiosity was killing him. So, he and his wife bought a generator and a couple of grinders... and cut thru the welds. What was in the barn...?

The doors were welded shut, but a grinder took care of that.

A warehouse full of vintage high performance cars!!!
Aston Martin, Opel GT, Lotus Elan FHC, Lotus Super Seven Series IV, Lotus Elan DHC, Porsche 356, Austin Healey Sprite MkII, Volvo PV 544, Ford Y, Giulietta Sprint, Giulia Sprint Speciale (SS), Nash Metropolitan, Alfa Giulietta, Lotus Europa, another Lotus Elan FHC, Matra Djet, Lancia Flaminia Coupé, BMW V8, Formula racers, Chryslers, Mercedes, Austin A30, Formula racers, Chryslers, Mercedes, Austin A30… and the list goes on.
Amazing…

Total value of all vehicles… over 35 Million!

The man and his wife had full title to the complete lot of vehicles. They're having a great retirement!

So you see real estate really is a good investment....sometimes a "great" investment.

Life is Good. Enjoy!

Gary Nathan & Amanda Mavis

Remodeling for Resale

Many of our clients ask what the return will be on certain remodeling projects. There is some good information from a Value Report published by the National Association of Realtors. You need to understand what makes a good home investment, whether you are buying, selling or remodeling.

One of the best returns for your money is bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. “Many homeowners who complete mid-range bathroom remodels can expect to make money; the cost on a national average for this project is $10,499, and the return is $10,727, or 102.2 percent. On average, major mid-range kitchen remodels cost $43,862 and return $39,920 or 91 percent of the costs to remodel”. Master suites don’t fair as well; an approximate return of 80.1 percent of the remodeling expense.” Personally, I'd put the money in the kitchen, that's where most of us spend a great deal of time entertaining anyway!

In the Midwest, however, the same kitchen and basement projects return only 85 and 73 percent, respectively. Midwest buyers appreciate homes with updated siding; mid-range and upscale siding replacements return 96 and 98 percent of the project costs, respectively. Siding replacement projects fared well at resale in all four regions, likely because new siding is a relatively inexpensive way to update and refresh a home's curb appeal.”

In the end, you need to consider your own needs and desires as well as those of the home's future owner. Ultimately, the best reason for a remodel is so that you can enjoy it!

If you wish to read the full report go to www.REALTOR.org/realtormag.

It is absolutely beautiful today & I'm heading out to show “lake property”. Have a great weekend and Enjoy…Life is Good!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
Hayward, WI
715-699-4040
nathan@cheqnet.net
http://www.garynathan.com/
http://www.haywardwaterfront.com/

Quiet Lakes

Sawyer County has an abundance of lakes and there is some neat history and information on the "Quiet Lakes" which are Lost Land Lake, Teal Lake and Ghost Lake; just 15 miles northeast of Hayward on Hwy 77.

According to the Quiet Lakes web site Lost Land Lake, was missing from early logger maps. Teal Lake was originally called Tea Lake. Did you know that Ghost Lake's name was derived from an over-served logger who thought the wild wandering flowage disappeared in a ghostly fog.? The drive to the Quiet Lakes literally "quiets" the mind and the tour throughout this lake region in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest is one of the most peaceful settings you will find.

In 1962 a speed limit of 10 mph was enacted prohibiting water skiing and jet skiing for that matter. Zoning requires 200' of lake shore per home rather than the usual 100' on other prime lakes. We can thank the folks who lived there and now populate the lakes for actively protecting this unspoiled environment.

Chris and Cindi from our office live on Teal Lake; they are an easy touch for a ride on their pontoon!

Want to learn more? Go to www.quietlakes.com; it's worth the peruse.

The ice is out on many lakes so come on up! Good luck to all you opening day fisherman....Life Is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-2110
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
www.haywardwaterfront.com

What's Hot, What's Not

Buyers are poled each year by several different groups to see what they want when it comes to buying a home. So whether you are a buyer or a seller please read on.

Buyers are becoming much more aware of how a home impacts the earth. So smaller more energy efficient homes are very appealing to savvy buyers.

Appliances that are concealed with a wood-print cover or behind hinged doors. Storage areas in the garage that have the cabinet look with pull out racks or shelves. Whirlpools are out and freestanding tubs or "bath thrones" are the new "must-haves" as a bathroom centerpiece. Speaking of bathrooms, the latest trend is bathroom suites that include flat-screen TVs, a mini fridge and cappuccino maker. Who needs the rest of the home?

Outdoor living is huge, especially here in the north woods. Massive outdoor fireplaces, fire-ring patio areas, outdoor kitchens and even under-patio heating is particularly appealing to buyers.

Have a pet and do you like to keep it clean? Pet bathtubs and showers in the mud room or garage are a big attraction for pet owners.

What's out? High ceilings in small rooms - waste of space. Tiny balconies and lofts that accommodate one chair and a lamp. Small living rooms that look more like a hallway off the kitchen than a space in which to entertain. And finally, one sink in the master bath suite is an absolute NO! No!. Trust me on this last one; when 70% of the time the decision is being made by the "better-looking-sex" you had better hope the house you are showing has two sinks in the master suite.

Have a great weekend....it's raining here which will quicken the ice melt and oh it is so good to see green grass!

Life is good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan .com
www.garynathan.com
www.haywardwaterfront.com

Housing Headline Blues

There has been a very interesting revelation regarding the negative housing data we have all seen on an almost daily basis. The next time you see any housing statistics presented, check to see if the statistics are provided by the S&P Case Shiller Index (chances are, they will be). This index surveys only 20 markets in 8 states – most of which are in California and Florida and other down markets. Conversely, the NAR (National Association of Realtors) survey spans 150 metro markets and uses median prices only. The third previously used survey, the OFHEO (Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight) uses 287 local markets in its index, yet, the Case Shiller index with only 20 markets is getting most of the media coverage. Why? Most likely because negative headlines sell.

Consider the following: OFHEO data for 2007 indicates the average price in America was down 3/10ths of a percent based on data from the 287 markets mentioned above. NAR data showed a 1.4% median price decline. The 2007 data gathered from a 4th source, Realogy (the largest real estate brokerage in the world with over 300,000 agents) indicates a 1% decline for 2007. OFHEO, NAR and Realogy are all fairly close with the results of their data gathering. What did Case Shiller’s 20 market data report? A whopping 8.9% decline for the “overall” U.S. market in 2007.

How could there be such a huge disparity? A recent article from Realogy illustrates the methodology Case Shiller’s uses for measuring the New York City market. Shiller claims that New York City prices fell 5.6% in 2007. Shiller decided not to use condominium and cooperative sales in Manhattan in his data which constitute 1/3 of overall New York City sales and 99% of Manhattan sales. Manhattan based Miller Samuel Inc. tracked a 2007 price increase of 17.6% for Manhattan. Why did Shiller exclude the data that constitutes 1/3 of the New York City metropolitan area? Could part of the reason be because of his side business? Consider the following:

In a recent article by Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the NAR, Yun states “Dr. Shiller, a Yale Professor, has a side business in Chicago. His index is used at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for hedging housing futures values. The more hedging of the bets that occur, the more profits go into Dr. Shiller’s bank account. And more hedging of the bets will take place if people believe there will be a crash in housing values. So, naturally he has a financial incentive to “scare” the market.” This side business may or may not be the reason Dr. Shiller uses such limited and selected data for his index. The disturbing part is that the Case Shiller index is being used by most media outlets to represent what is happening in the overall U.S. housing market.

What is the reality? Shiller claims that “Wherever you look, things look bleak” and that “We are in a historic housing bust right now”. OFHEO reports that 70% of the markets nationwide are not falling but actually rising. In Sawyer County, the last two reported quarters (Q3 and Q4, 2007) showed an increase in median price of over 14% and a 19% increase in the number of homes sold as compared to 2006 Q3 and Q4.
Reality is good thing.

Chris McGrath
Woodland Developments & Realty
715.634.2110
woodlanddevrealty.com

Pier Pleasure!

Wisconsin waterfront property owners can celebrate after new legislation to protect existing piers was signed into law; the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) credits the Governor and bipartisan legislative leaders for passage. It passed unanimously in both houses of the legislature.

According to the WRA, Assembly Bill 297 establishes grandfathering standards for existing piers and will provide permanent protection from future regulations to approximately 99% of the existing piers. The new law exempts from new regulations (or “grandfathers”) all piers up to 8-feet wide and loading platforms or “decks” (located at the end of the pier) that are 200 square feet or less. The law also grandfathers decks between 200 and 300 square feet, as long as they are no wider than 10 feet.

“This new law is very important to waterfront property owners and will provide certainty as to which piers are legal, and which are not,” said Mike Spranger, WRA Chairman. According to Spranger, “The new law strikes a good balance between the rights of property owners and the rights of the public to use and enjoy our waterways.”

This new law was worked on by a broad coalition of key stakeholders including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, the Wisconsin Builders Association, and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes.

While some existing piers will not be grandfathered, the law makes the process easier and more equitable for obtaining the necessary permits to keep these piers in place. Many of the piers have been a part of the property for years and years so the new law provides a fair resolution.

We can all agree that piers certainly add value to waterfront property because it provides access to the water for boating and recreation. In addition, there is a significant emotional attachment for some property owners; it's the place where many families have spent countless hours swimming, fishing and spending time together.

From personal experience, I can tell you that naps on the end of the pier are priceless!

The sun is shining, the snow is melting and spring is here; come on up and enjoy our beautiful lakes, woods, fresh air and "grandfathered piers".......Life is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

Fed Rate Cut = Mortgage Rate Cut????

Are you a little puzzled over why mortgage rates have not skidded to all time lows? After all, Fed rates have been cut five times for a total of 2.5%, so why don't we get a downward move in mortgage rates? In fact, mortgage rates are now higher than they were before the Fed began cutting rates.

The Fed controls the Discount Rate and the Fed Funds Rate; this is quite different from mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are based on mortgage-backed bonds known as Mortgage Backed Securities. Bonds that are issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and how those bonds perform when traded give us the rise and fall of mortgage rates.

Inflation will always be a big negative for any long-term bond because inflation eats away at the future return of the bond. Another piece in this puzzle is the performance of the NASDAQ and broader stock market.

As bond prices rise, interest rates fall. As bond prices fall, interest rates rise. As the NASDAQ moves higher, bond prices move lower which causes interest rates to rise. Conversely, as the NASDAQ declines, mortgage bonds benefit which causes mortgage rates to fall.

Fed rate cuts have had virtually no direct effect on mortgage rates. As the Fed cuts rates this impacts and typically stimulates the NASDAQ which then has a negative effect on mortgage rates.

Confused yet? Is there any good news? The biggest beneficiaries of the cuts are those home owners that have resets on their adjustable-rate mortgages. That's because the rate on many of adjustable-rate-loans is pegged to the rate on the one-year Treasury bill; it tends to move down after Fed rate cuts. Fixed-rate mortgages are typically tied to the rate on 10-year Treasury notes, so they are affected more by conditions in credit markets and inflationary moves; Fed cuts have little affect on long-term fixed mortgages.

The good news is that rates still are historically low when you look back over the past 40 years. One local bank just quoted me 6% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage....not bad!

The temps are warming up and the blue skies and bright sun certainly are a welcome site. The moon was bright last night and still beautiful at 6:00 am this morning....Life is Good....Enjoy!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

People Say the Darndest Things!

Greetings:

The weather is fabulous today in Hayward; it is sunny and bright, about 35 degrees and the snow is melting. Amanda just called from Playa del Carmen and they are enjoying sunny weather and it's about 85 degrees poolside! Hmmmm....

I thought you'd enjoy something on the lighter side today - thanks to Fred Kortepeter, Sycamore Group, REALTORS®, Indianapolis, who passed along these gaffes and comments he's gathered from listing sheets over the years.

- Sellers to keep all flooring.

- One-owner condom near lake.

- Exclude basement, as it is a family heirloom.

- Priced for quick sale! (House had been on the market 15 months.)

- Mirror over fireplace and roof don't stay.

- Four acres on large lot.

- Defects: Neighbors' septic tank stinks in the summer.

- Watch for snake in the driveway. Don't run over it.

- Third-floor walk-up apartment: Great for getting rid of in-laws.

- Dog bites. Don't go in the house.

- Walls to be replaced.

- Reason selling: Moving.

Anyway, we're dreaming of spring & time on the lake!

Life Is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
http://www.haywardwaterfront.com/

Sawyer County Zone Districts

In my blog a couple of weeks ago I promised I would follow up with some interesting information about zone districts in Sawyer County from a land use comparison perspective. If you remember I asked what zone district comprised the greatest percentage of land use in the County; the answer is forestry at an outstanding 71%.

Our County comprises more than 1,354 square miles or about 866,560 acres. Of that there is more than 58,000 acres of total surface water area. More than 36% of the County is in public ownership.

See the numbers below that were graciously supplied by Eric Wellauer from Sawyer County Zoning along with his team in that office that worked to put this together. Draw your own conclusions but one thing I can tell you for sure, the water and woods of Sawyer County is why most of us live here and why others want to join us!

By the way, nearly 7000 people skied the Birkie here last weekend and it is snowing today so the trails for skiing and snowmobiling are excellent. The Hayward 300 Snowmobile Races are this weekend. Come on up and enjoy our great north woods.

Life Is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis

Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

Birkie Week!

Life is Good.
Gary Nathan & Amanda Mavis
www.garynathan.com

Make No Mistake

It's a mistake to look at the Wisconsin and Sawyer County housing market through the lens of national indicators. I'm sure you heard the report yesterday on headline news that national housing sales decreased as well as prices. Well, that has not happened here.

While sales in Wisconsin dipped in 2007, prices actually increased leaving Wisconsin in much better shape than many parts of the nation. In Sawyer County we had another increase in the number of home sales in quarter 4 of 2007 as compared to the same quarter in 2006. Sales were up from 48 units to 68 units. The median sale price rose by more than $30,000 last quarter (as compared to 2006) to $177,500. For our county in 2007, the median price and total home sales were up over 2006.

Certainly 2007 was no picnic compared to the boom years but our future continues to brighten more quickly than a good share of the country. The stability of prices in this soft market is certainly a good sign for buyers. Housing remains a good way to accumulate and maintain household wealth. Lower rates and good inventory provides excellent buying opportunities.

Next week I'm going to share some information on Sawyer County Zone Districts. Forestry is the largest zone district category in Sawyer County. What percentage of the County is zoned foresty? Find out the details next week.

Don't forget that this weekend is the Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin Family Ice Fishing event in Hayward. Also, it's the North End Classic Ski Race on Sunday. AND the big ones..the Birkie and the Barnebirkie are next weekend! Good luck to all you skiers!

Life is Good.....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

HOPE NOW

This week I want to take a little different spin on the troubled home market; there is always alot of talk about it, but is there any help? If you know of someone who is having trouble with their current mortgage and needs help, I have some tips for you.

Your family or friend may be eligible for relief under the President's initiative announced in mid-December; it is designed to help stem the tide of defaulted subprime mortgages. The most important part of this service is an interest-rate freeze, but it does not apply to all borrowers. Here's what a party in trouble should do:

1. Call the national counseling hotline at 888-995-4673.

2. Expect to be on the phone with a counselor for 45 minutes or more.

3. Expect that the counselor will recommend a course of action if a person is eligible.

4. Service providers are flexible and tend to be pretty helpful.

5. Refinancing is the typical solution for most borrowers but there are other alternatives.

The most important advice you can give your family or friend is to encourage them to call the hotline ASAP and start the process of seeking a solution; waiting could make any remedy impossible.

This weekend is the Pre-Birkie race from Lake Hayward to Hwy OO; sponsored by the local Lions Club this is always a great event. Come on up and enjoy the fun!

Life is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis

Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843

nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

CYCLES

Hola! This week Shari and I have had the pleasure of spending time in Playa del Carmen, MX where it appears they are building condos and developing every vacant lot available. Just a few years ago developers could not keep up with demand; now supply has surpassed demand and some developments are standing idle.

Home building runs in cycles; in the U.S. we have had four such cycles since the early 1970’s. Housing starts peaked in 1973, 1977, 1984 and 2006. Those peaks were followed by troughs in 1975, 1981, 1991and 2007 respectively. The same is true for home price appreciation. We had peaks in the mid to late 1970’s early 1980’s and 1990’s and the longest one from 1996 to 2006. You guessed it, each peak period was followed by a trough period.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, new-home starts have fallen by at least 60 percent from their peak in past cycles. In the current cycle housing starts have fallen 47 percent. We are living with the legacy of the investor/speculator boom and lenient mortgage underwriting. Oversupply caused by overbuilding has been augmented by foreclosed properties. The number one indicator for a market upturn is a decline in new homes from an eight-month supply to a six-month supply. If builders don’t control supply it’s going to make the recovery that much more painful.

Fortunately, our market is similar to Playa del Carmen but on a much smaller scale. People go to Playa for the sun, ocean, beaches, great restaurants, shopping and relaxation. They purchase housing because they feel it’s a good investment in an international market. Folks come to our area for the pristine lakes, tens of thousands of acres of woods, clean air, four seasons, great restaurants, shopping and world-class events. They buy real estate because they feel it is a good long-term investment. Cycles happen; we have experienced them before. We don’t live in a boom or bust area so our highs and lows aren’t as severe as some other parts of the country.

Ok - I hear it’s really cold back home so perhaps a little extra time on the beach would be a smart consumer choice!!??
Have a great weekend…..Life Is Good….Enjoy!

Thanks to Dennis Smith for some of this week’s home building info…

Gary Nathan
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@cheqnet.net
www.garynathan.com

Economic Changes

The quickly changing economy certainly presents some challenges for all of us and the forecasts are all over the board. The last half of 2007 and the first part of this year have been dominated by the subprime mortgage market and the latest stock market sell-off. High oil prices, retail sales and home sales have taken a backseat.

So what is in store for the Wisconsin economy and Sawyer County? How will all this playout in the months to come? We all have our own forecast and stories to tell.

Wisconsin projects that personal income growth will be about 4.3% which follows the U.S. growth rate. We will not be hit as hard by the subprime crisis and mortgage foreclosures are half of what they are in the U.S. on average. Wisconsin folks have above national average credit scores and lower debt levels.

Exports are booming; in fact Wisconsin has enjoyed a 50% increase over the past three years. Wisconsin business, particularly the technology sector is expanding and creating more wealth. We have less economic risk because we are not a boom or bust type of economy.

Finally, this is a presidential election year so the good news is that overall economic growth has historically been better than average during those years. The bad news is we have several months yet of debates and candidates verbally attacking one another.

Our little company had a great year last year including record sales on Teal and Blueberry Lakes and full price and near full price offers on several other lake homes, commercial lots and businesses. We intend to make 2008 another great year; come on up and join us!

In order that I might better serve my real estate customers and clients I will be taking the next week off and exposing my brain and body to warm sun and sea breezes. Amanda will be here working hard and keeping our "local economy" rolling along.

Don't forget that the Pre-Birkie is Saturday, February 9!

Life is good....Enjoy!



Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com

http://www.garynathan.com/

Warning!

There is a bunch of information on the Internet about how you can log onto a company web site to learn the current value of your home. For the most part I find this to be misleading for home owners. Online automated valuations are not appraisals and the legality of these models is being debated as I write. This is NOT a valuation, it is a automated guess at best.

Realistic valuations are typically secured one of three ways. The best way is by hiring an independent licensed appraiser to do a full appraisal overview; its a process not a guess. There is a fee but well worth it in the end.

Another way to find a fairly accurate value for your home is to have your real estate agent do a comparative market analysis (CMA) which is typically free.

Finally, look at your most recent tax statement which will provide the estimated fair market value of your property. If your property has been recently assessed that "estimated fair market value" is normally pretty accurate unless your tax assessor is especially conservative.

Work with professionals if you want accurate and truthful results!

We received a little snow last night; the ski trails are excellent and the snowmobile trails in the woods are good. Have a great weekend!

Life Is Good...Enjoy!

Gary Nathan and
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

Planning On Building an Ark?

Noah in 2007

In the year 2007, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark. "Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?" "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it! "

There you have it! Have a wonderful week.......Life Is Good....Enjoy!

This was given to me by Chris McGrath, a broker associate in our office...thanks Chris!

Gary Nathan and
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/

How’s Your Credit Score?

Credit reports have been known for containing erroneous information, due to incorrect reporting by creditors or fraud. Before you decide to buy your next home or other real estate consider ordering your free report at www.annualcreditreport.com. As soon as you get your credit report read it carefully to see if there are any errors.

You can aggressively dispute any fraudulent entries with the creditors and the credit bureaus in order to dramatically improve your FICO score. FICO is an acronym for the creators of the FICO score, Fair Isaac Credit Organization; a standard credit score which makes up a substantial portion of a credit report that credit bureaus sell to lenders so they can asses an applicant's credit risk and whether to extend them credit. In fact, there is a bunch of helpful hints online at the annual credit report site. Your goal is to make sure that your personal stats are accurate.

Shoot for a credit score of not less than 700; credit scores under 580 will usually qualify only for sub prime loans. Before you get in the mood to buy make sure you don’t have any credit lines that are over the credit limit; if so immediately pay them down below the limit. If your credit limits are fairly low and you have some surplus cash, consider paying as many bills as possible down to 30 percent or less of their limits. You will also want to have at least three month’s worth of mortgage payments available.

If you are planning on receiving some money from your rich parents, or other wealthy relatives, be sure and get the money in the bank at least two months prior to submission of your loan application.

Finally, whether you live here or away work with one of our local trustworthy loan professionals; they will help you through the myriad of mortgage programs and find the one that is most compatible for you.

Once again I want to remind you that the snow is great for all sorts of outdoor activities. Have a great week…..Life Is Good…Enjoy!

Gary Nathan and
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
www.garynathan.com
www.haywardwaterfront.com

2008 - What Can We Expect?

Is there any light at the end of the tunnel for the overall U.S. housing market? Even though we have not experienced as big a hit locally, the housing problems in parts of the U.S. affects us all.

Most forecasters agree that both existing and new home sales and prices will bottom out in the second or third quarter; that because of a relatively healthy underlying U.S. economy. The National Association of Realtors recently reported that existing home sales and prices would stabilize in the second quarter and rise throughout the second half of the year.

According to the NAR's chief economist the slowdown has never been about the fundamentals of the economy. Consumers have the means to buy but they lack the confidence; once they see sales and prices leveling out they will feel better about getting back into the market. The number of financing options helps and tighter underwriting is exactly what we need in order to restore public confidence.

Commercial real estate continues solid throughout most of the U.S. as has been the case locally. Yes, there are some empty buildings but new building continues and there is interest on the part of investors. Just like home buyers I find that commercial investors and end-users are equally cautious and willing to sit on the sideline until they get the best deal possible. The economy is still growing, businesses are still investing and consumers continue to spend - all positive for commercial property owners. I find that most commercial investors look for cash flow rather than appreciation and who can blame them?

Multifamily would seem to be a good sector in which to be invested; one in which you would benefit from the housing slump because buyers delay in taking the leap into ownership. The problem is that more home sellers are turning to renting when they can't sell so that affects apartment and multi-family unit rentals adversely. Be careful about jumping into the rental game; do your homework.

Overall I think 2008 will be a solid year; robust or spectacular no, but sufficiently positive.

We had a bunch of snow this week so all the trails are greaaaaaat! Go to the link below for trail reports and come on up and have some fun; do drive carefully....and have a very Happy New Year!!!!!

http://www.haywardareachamber.com/snowreports.html

Life Is Good...Enjoy!

Gary Nathan and
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@cheqnet.net
http://www.woodlanddevrealty.com/
http://www.haywardwaterfront.com/

Tis The Season!

This is the time of year most of us get in the mood to purchase gifts for others. And make no mistake about it, women lead men in almost every category when it comes to buying.; they control 80% of household spending. Women buy more tech, online travel, food, books, clothing, mobile phone games, home furnishings, web products....well they lead in just about every category imaginable.

And why not, they feel more pain, are more romantic, better organized, live longer, read more, talk.....OK we won't go there. Anyway most of us men like the fact that women take charge when it comes to shopping whether it's for Christmas or for any other occasion.

In my line of work women are definitely in control of the purchasing decision when it comes to homes...now I didn't say every time but certainly the majority of the time. A guy looks at a property and if the garage is big enough and he can hang a 72" plasma screen somewhere in the house he will probably buy!

Women on the other hand are looking for top-of the line kitchen finishes and appliances, dual mater suites, spacious closets, classic architecture and high-end finishes. They want that open room concept design that will promote family connection and a "tech center" that is easily accessible....like a nook in the kitchen area. Maintenance free, secure, efficient, customized for multi-use design and places in the home they can call their own. Women like to be able to see and touch; it has to feel right emotionally and yet be functional.

But for you men who are reading this; Christmas gifts should not be confused with home buying. Do Not, I repeat, Do Not buy a functional gift for her this Christmas....keep it on the emotional side and you will be just fine.

Have a blessed Christmas and drive safe....Life Is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan and
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
Hayward, WI
866-634-2884
nathan@cheqnet.net
http://www.woodlanddevrealty.com/
http://www.haywardwaterfront.com/

Home Gift Ideas That Are High Tech

Need some gift ideas that will bring your home into the twenty-first century? Here are a few of the latest gadgets that are guaranteed to thrill the receiver. These products will improve safety, energy efficiency, and overall quality of life, and are just plain fun.

A Watchdog Robot for $300 called "Spygee"; it's 18" tall and battery-operated. Keeps an eye on the home while you are away. From a web site you can direct the robot's movements and see what is going on in your home through it's digital eyes. It will snap still photos and records videos with sound which you can view and hear online. It sounds an alarm if anything comes into its line of sight and emails you a photo. You might be surprised to find out what goes on when you are away! Meccano at 800-77-NIKKO.

For about $200 you can put in an alarm sensor that will call you and tell you that your garage door is open, the pipes are nearly frozen, your power has been off for over an hour or if there is some unusual movement in your home plus a "bunch" more. It will text message or email you as well. Go to alarm.com

For under $700 there is a SmartSense Ventilation System that can be installed in your HVAC that will improve indoor air quality by automatically turning a network of fans on to boost fresh air. It removes pollutants and minimizes mold and mildew growth. Go to Broan-NuTone.

One of my favorites - Help in the Kitchen! No need to wait at the grill or oven to see if dinner is ready. A two-part thermometer beeps or speaks when your food is ready or almost ready. One part goes into the food and the other wireless part stays with you...it works up to 330 feet away. The Grill Right Wireless Talking BBQ/Oven Thermometer is just $60 from Oregon Scientific at 800-853-8883. OK for those who really know me this is a great gift for Shari since I don't really cook much.....still one of my favorites!

For a couple of great ideas check out the Weather-Sensitive Sprinkler System from Cyber-Rain or the Aura Wireless Lighting Controls from Lutron Electonics Co. And finally for you serious wine lovers...go to CellarTracker (314-667-5328) for the ultimate in Ultra-Organized Wine Cellars.

We have enjoyed winter-wonderland weather this past week; may you enjoy your weekend with loved ones and friends!

Life Is Good....Enjoy!

Gary Nathan and
Amanda Mavis
866-634-2884
nathan@cheqnet.net
www.woodlanddevrealty.com
www.haywardwaterfront.com